But some Brown students who are heavily involved with campus environmental groups defend the EPA's action.
"I think it's terrific that the EPA has cracked down," senior Jeffrey A. Klein said. "By and large, people are saying that the fine is a shame, but that it's also a shame that hazardous wastes are being dumped."
Junior Anne E. Perring said the university should have been prepared.
"I tend to think it's our own fault," Perring said.
The EPA has fined three other New England universities--University of New Hampshire, Yale University and Boston University--for violations of hazardous waste management laws and the Clean Water Act over the last five years.
Brown spokesperson Nickel said he hopes the EPA report will not mar Brown's longstanding reputation as an environmentally conscientious school.
"We have a reputation for awareness," Nickel said. "We do have a good record...and the speed with which we have reacted should help that."